Abstract

In the last decades the debate has become more frequent about convergence and/or difference between historiography and literature, as well as about use of sources from historians. This article deals with some questions about literary works and their possible use as sources for historical research. The author examines particularly an Italian novel of late nineteenth century, pointing out which information can be drawn from this kind of source compared with other sources, for example documentary sources. It is also explained how a likely representation, as that one given by De Marchi in his novel, increases the possibilities of knowledge of reality.